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December 24, 2007
January 10 YR Monthly Forum
The next New York Young Republican Club, Inc meeting will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008
Our Guests
Curtis Sliwa - Guardian Angels/Radio Personality
Jo Jensen, Executive Director for Secure Our Future, a Students for Saving Social Security organization..
Giuliani Campaign Representative Mario Bruno will discuss our former mayor's campaign strategy. Join Rudy 2008
Please R.S.V.P. to this meeting/event.
This is our first Speaker Forum of the year and we expect a number of Membership Renewals. Please try to come early so we can begin the evening on time!
Meeting Location
Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' & Airmen's Club
283 Lexington Ave (bet 36th & 37th St), 2nd Floor
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Business Casual requested.
Please be on time.
For After-politics Socializing
Come join us afterwards for drinks at:
Margarita Murphy's
591 Third Avenue
Between 38th and 39th streets
Posted by NYYRC at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)
Candidate Development Seminar - Wed 1/23
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 @ 7:30 PM
Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' and Airmen's Club - Northwest Lounge 2nd floor
Have you ever thought about running for local office, because you’re frustrated with the way things are up in Albany or down at City Hall? Have you thought about making a change for the better in New York City? If not you, do you know someone who would make a good candidate or has expressed interest in bringing change to local government? The New York Young Republican Club wants to help and now is a great time to build the future of our party in New York.
We will be hosting a candidate development seminar on January 23 at Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’ and Airmen’s Club – 283 Lexington Avenue . We are looking for prospective republican candidates throughout the five boroughs for the offices of State Senate, State Assembly and the 2009 City Council races.
142 seats is the combined total of State Senate, State Assembly and City Council seats within the borders of New York City . Of those 142 seats, Republicans hold 8. No, that’s not a typo. We only hold EIGHT out of 142 district seats: four State Senate seats, one Assembly seat and three City Council seats. When it comes time for the legislative body to cast a vote, our ideals and positions are not being represented. We need to change that.
Our seminar will help you understand the demographics of your district seat. We will outline a game plan for raising money, communicating with your constituency, and defining your positions on issues that are important for the office you’re running for. It is important to have a secure foundation to your candidacy. It is also important to distinguish your platform from your opponent.
The NYYRC does not guarantee you will win a race if you choose to run for office. Raising money, campaigning and spreading your message is all hard work. Sometimes it can take two or three election cycles to make a dent in politics. What we can assure you is that by attending our development seminar, you will be better prepared handling the ins and outs on campaigning for local office.
If you are interested in running for office in 2008, 2009 or 2010 (it’s always better to start early!), or you know someone who has expressed interest in running for office, please let us know RSVP to NYYRC and let us know you wish to attend on January 23rd for our Candidate Development Seminar at Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’ and Airmen’s Club
Posted by NYYRC at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
The Presidential Candidates for 2008
For those who have been involved with the New York Young Republican Club, in the past and in the present, are probably aware that presidential campaigns can divide membership and create tension within the leadership. That is why, as the current president of the club, I have not issued any endorsement or support behind one particular candidate. Any of the men running for the republican nomination can email or contact me with a campaign event in the area and I will gladly notify membership and let my members decide whether they wish to support a particular candidate.
However, this is not to say that I haven’t thought about each person running and formulated opinions on them. This entry will be about my thoughts on the GOP presidential candidates. I will focus on the relevant candidates, so Rep. Tom Tancredo and Rep. Duncan Hunter will have to forgive me for not mentioning them beyond this sentence.
Fred Thompson
Back in April, when I was elected president of the NYYRC, one of the first guest speakers I wanted to reach out to and come speak at one of our monthly forums, was an actor-turned politician-turned actor from the hit NYC drama, Law & Order. I reached out through contacts and eventually got a response that Mr. Thompson may decide to run for president, so getting him to address membership will likely not happen.
At that time, the thought of a Fred Thompson candidacy was a very good idea and looked forward to seeing him on the stump. However, with the media on top of him while he explored a potential run made him come off tired and boring and not up-to-speed on current events. It looked foolish for him to be touring the country and not be “running for president.”
The argument against Thompson in that he entered the race late is silly. He didn’t enter the race late. In 1992, Governor Clinton entered the Presidential race in October 1991, much later than anyone this year (except for perhaps Alan Keyes). The real issue folks were upset with Thompson early on had to do with his avoiding the rules of the campaign finance laws. I blogged on Urban Elephants about how it is hypocritical of a man who voted for McCain-Feingold, but chooses to avoid it by dilly-dallying.
When Thompson stepped into the race the immediate criticism was he comes of as aloof. However, there is a part to play by the President and a part to play by Congress. Thompson could be a very good leader if he lets the American People understand certain matters must be done by the local elected officials. Maybe this would encourage voters to pay attention to who their local leaders are.
Thompson’s message of federalism resonates with me. His tax proposal is progressive and promising. I wouldn’t have any objections to him if he wins the nomination. I may feel disappointed with his lack of charisma, but that isn’t a requirement for a candidate.
Mitt Romney
I have this like-dislike for Governor Romney. I like his record of success as an executive in the private sector, but I’m not pleased with his record as governor, since he served one term and spent the last two years of his term running for president. I like that he’s comfortable in his own skin and speaks well, which is great for communicating the Republican message. However, he looks plastic and sounds like a game show host and I can understand why some voters are unsure about his truthfulness and honesty. As for a select few in our party holding the man to a “religious test” for being our “moral leader,” I wish we, as a party, had the ability to expell you from our registration rolls. Democrats can select a Mormon to be their Senate Majority Leader, but we can’t select a Mormon to be our Presidential Candidate?
When someone challenges a candidate on his record of taxes and spending, when dealing with a governor, you need to take it with a grain of salt. So often you hear, “I balanced four budgets” which isn’t much of a feat when governors are required to balance budgets. If budgets didn’t have to be balanced, I’m sure tax-cutting Republicans would take more of a risk in cutting taxes over balancing their state budgets.
Romney has shown his naivette in the race (as has Thompson), but thankfully our government isn’t a one-man show. Governor George Bush made a fool of not knowing leaders when interviewed in 1999, but he’s been a solid leader in the fight against Global Terrorism.
Ron Paul
Congressman Paul is a great voice for fiscal conservatives and free market activists within the Republican Party. His candidacy should inspire conservatives across the country to run for congress. Wouldn’t anti-regulation, tax-cutting, free market candidates for the House of Representatives be wonderful for the Republican Party in 2008? Mr. Paul has raised more money than his campaign needs, so when he isn’t selected as the nominee, he can channel that money in campaigns across the US.
Ron Paul’s candidacy is also great for the Republican Party in New York City. If the NYC GOP could absorb the libertarian base in the five boroughs, we could increase our chances of winning local seats. The belief of smaller government and federalism is most effective on local seats for congress, state legislature and city government is something NY Republicans need.
John McCain
A while back, I wrote on Urban Elephants on the possible collapse of the GOP field and the return of the war veteran, Senator John McCain. My belief was the “Default Theory” which was the theory that propelled Sen. John Kerry to the nomination in 2004. Kerry was the early favorite but dropped down in the polls for maverick Howard Dean, pretty boy John Edwards and one-time VP candidate, Joe Lieberman.
Just before the Iowa caucus, everyone sort of fell by the wayside, except for Howard Dean. Dean’s deaniacs when across the state, door to door, encouraging... or should I say "insisting" that registered democrats vote for their man. This turned off a lot of voters and in the end John Kerry won the caucus. Then, we all know history; like lemings, the democrats in every other state decided to jump off the cliff with their Iowan buddies, not studying the poor choice made for a National candidate.
I have reservations about McCain. He's a fiscal manager, not a tax and spend cutter (he hates Pork spending though). He's receptive to the "man causes global warming" crowd. And he has that Campaign Finance Law that trumps free speech on his shoulders. But if we as a party win back the House, then I we shouldn't be too worried about conservative issues not being on the agenda.
This could happen on the GOP side this year, however the flaws in McCain’s candidacy aren’t as damaging as John Kerry’s flaws. John McCain would make for a fine candidate. Not one of our candidates makes me full my support behind, so if McCain is the nominee, or Thompson or Romney, I will be pleased.
Michael Huckabee
Mike Huckabee is a feel good candidate for social conservatives. He's got strong convictions on social issues, but he doesn't throw all in your face. When he speaks about them, he speaks in a way that a listener would interpret as Huckabee's own personal feelings. That resonates with the christian conservatives. He would lead with their principles, but do it in a "compassionate" way.
I have no problem with Huckabee's social convictions. I have issues with his fiscal management style. I can give him the benefit of the doubt in that he led his state in a way that required him to balance a budget and that his tax & fee increases (that Romney likes to point out) were based on votes by the people of the state. In the Fox News debate, Huckabee said that a 3 cent gas tax was to build roads and it was voted on by the people. Yeah, he proposed it, but it was the people who said "yes" to it. Still, he doesn't come across as a reaganite when it comes to supply-side economics.
Also, Huckabee has a favorable rating with the Teachers Union, which to me, is saying he is anti-choice with schools. He's a true anti-choice candidate (abortion & schools) and I'm not sure our country can afford protecting our Educational system "as is."
Mike Huckabee is also known to lead with a "Nanny State" mentality. Perhaps Mayor Bloomberg supporters who are socially conservative would support him, but I'm not big on someone telling me how to live. If it was between a Nanny Stater and a Ron Paul, I think I'd choose Paul.
Rudolph Giuliani
With the early caucus & primary results, one would wonder where in the world is the NYC Mayor?
Rudy Giuliani chose a different strategy in campaigning, which may turn out to be a big mistake. He decided to focus on Super Tuesday (Feb 5) states as well as Florida. By then, the race may be over. Maybe he should've picked at the little guys in between Iowa & New Hampshire. If he modestly won Wyoming and wins Michigan, he'd have some street cred. But the way it is looking, the race is wide open.
Giuliani has many negatives. His best opponent would be Hillary Clinton. Against Obama, I feel he would lose (You want my opinion of Edwards? He'd lose to any of the Republican candidates). Rudy has to place well in Michigan and South Carolina to have a shot in Florida. Already, Huckabee is polling well in the Sunshine State. Rudy will need a second or third place finish, because if he's fourth or lower again, Florida may officially be lost. Then, he'd be in trouble on Super Tuesday.
= = = =
Republicans have six strong candidates. Even Duncan Hunter, who will make a wonderful Vice President for the Romney, Giulian, Thompson candidacies. The papers are loving the uncertainty. So am I. Here's hoping this drags, because it means more attention on the campaigns and maybe the general public will start to pay attention.
Posted by Daniel Peterson at 10:59 AM | Comments (13)
December 13, 2007
YR Holiday Social - Membership Renewal
Next Thursday, December 20th
It's the 2007 NYYRC Holiday Social
Vintage
793 9th Avenue (212) 581-4655 Near 50th St E Station one block away 7 PM - No cover!Membership Special!
Anyone joining the club or renewing his or her membership at the Holiday Social will only have to pay $20!
Start 2008 right with your membership to the New York Young Republican Club and we'll even give your our new lapel pin for the new year!
So have a drink on us.
Bring a friend or two along. No obligation to join!
Posted by NYYRC at 12:15 AM | Comments (0)